Vangvieng district authorities are planning new tourism initiatives to boost visitor numbers
Vangvieng district authorities are planning new tourism initiatives to boost visitor numbers after a crackdown on dangerous tourist activities took place last year, According to the District Tourism Office Head, Bounpanh Phommavong, the district is now trying to open up safer activities to attract more people.
Speaking to our news team, the District Tourism Office Head, Bounpanh Phommavong said that, Hot-air ballooning is a popular activity but is closed during the rainy season. However, the possibility of beginning light-aircraft trips in the district should be on the cards if properly planned.
According to Bounpanh Phommavong, zip-lining currently runs at Kaeng Yui waterfall and another one is due to open soon at Xong River View Garden. Last year, local authorities and the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism managed to shut down some entertainment venues which were operating after-hours and found to have been selling alcoholic drinks mixed with hallucinogenic mushrooms.
Other activities such as the dangerous flying fox swings into the river were also closed down. He said, at present the main attractions are now kayaking, long-tailed boat rides and tubing. These are managed by associations and have regulations in place to ensure visitor safety. The District Tourism Office Head said, said the authorities are working in collaboration with the Department of Tourism Promotion under the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism to distribute tourism information brochures and post travel options on websites.
According to Vangvieng tourism office, more than 68,000 people visited Vangvieng in the first six months of this year and generated over 15 billion kip for the local economy. More than 130 accommodation options are available in Vangvieng, including 14 hotels, 114 guesthouses, two resorts and seven home-stays.
Source: LNTV Lao News in English
